Why did John Steinbeck called his book Of Mice and Men?

Answer 1

John Steinbeck titled his novella "Of Mice and Men" after a line in the poem "To a Mouse" by Robert Burns. The phrase reflects the theme of the book, highlighting the fragile dreams and aspirations of the characters and their struggles to achieve them amidst the harsh realities of life.

Answer 2

After a poem by another author called "To a Mouse" written in 1785 by Robert Burns, a Scottish poet. The line is taken from the second to last stanza.

But, Mousie, thou art no thy lane,

In proving foresight may be vain;


The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men

Gang aft agley, 40


An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,

For promis'd joy!

Answer 3

The Title comes from the late Robbie Burns poem which goes like this:

The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men,

Gang aft agley,

An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,

For promis'd joy!

it means:

the best laid plans of mice and men

often go wrong

and leave us nothing but grief and pain

instead of promised joy

The poem is about a mouse who builds a nest in a wheat field only to have it demolished by ploughers this represents the dreams within the novel and them all getting destroyed

Answer 4

The title of the book comes from the poem "To A Mouse" by Robert Burns. The title refers to the main characters and their relationship to the world. Is it better to be a mouse (Lennie) with no understanding of your own mortality? Or is it better to be a man who suffers with that wisdom? It is ironic that the strong man in the story is the "mouse" and that George is so much stronger intellectually and emotionally.

From "To A Mouse" (Standard English translation)

But little Mouse, you are not alone,

In proving foresight may be vain:

The best laid schemes of mice and men

Go often awry,

And leave us nothing but grief and pain,

For promised joy!